OU professor named to national commission

Cynthia Carver, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Organizational Leadership and master of education program coordinator in Educational Leadership and Teacher Leadership, has been named to the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education’s (AACTE) new Clinical Practice Commission.

Dr. Carver joins a group of higher education and P-12 leaders from across the country who will examine the state of clinical practice, more commonly known as field experience. The group was established to lift up exemplary models and ultimately publish a set of recommendations for teacher preparation programs nationwide.

“Our partnerships are a key part of our work; as our first Scholar in Residence, Dr. Carver is a leader in that effort. We appreciate her work and are very pleased the AACTE has recognized her,” said Jon Margerum-Leys, dean of the School of Education and Human Services. “We take pride in the fact that one of our own will now be helping establish the national guidelines for the future of teacher preparation.”

The Clinical Practice Commission, which includes representation from professional associations, institutions of higher education and K-12 school districts, will collaborate over the next six months to develop a common understanding of effective approaches to field experiences. The group will develop and circulate a white paper and will recommend ways to address common roadblocks to building successful district-university partnerships, such as transportation, funding and scheduling concerns.

“In 2010, the NCATE Blue Ribbon Panel on Clinical Preparation and Partnerships found that clinical preparation was a key lever to high quality teacher preparation,” said Rodrick Lucero, AACTE’s Vice President for Member Engagement and Support, who chairs the CPC. “Although we know how essential classroom experiences are to a candidate’s preparation, we also see a broad spectrum of practices being labelled ‘clinical.’ It is high time to create a shared and actionable definition of what high-quality clinical practice looks like to be able to continually improve individual programs and the field as a whole.”

Current members of the CPC include:

Rodrick Lucero, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (Chair)

Michael Alfano, Central Connecticut State University

Cynthia Carver, Oakland University

Nancy Dana, University of Florida

Derek Decker, Colorado State University

Christine DeGregory, George Mason University

Danielle Dennis, University of South Florida

Elaine Holmes, Poudre School District (Colo.)

Marcy Keifer Kennedy, Ohio University

Amanda Lester, State University of New York

Audra Parker, George Mason University

Jennifer Robinson, Montclair State University

Rene Roselle, University of Connecticut

Jennifer Roth, Poudre School District (Colo.)

Lisa Stooksberry, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Cindy Stunkard, Kutztown University

Diane Yendol-Hoppey, University of South Florida

Kristien Zenkov, George Mason University

Omar Davis and Tim Finklea, AACTE support staff

About the School of Education and Human Services:

The School of Education and Human Services offers undergraduate and graduate study programs that provide a strong theoretical knowledge base plus experiential learning opportunities so graduates are well-prepared for their chosen professions. SEHS is recognized for its successful recruiting of outstanding faculty and strong partnerships with local school districts and community agencies. SEHS offers professional development for teachers and administrators through programs hosted at convenient on- and off-campus locations and online. Outreach and Program Services also offers continuing educatio and partners with school districts and other external organizations.